Healthcare Scenario in Mafeteng-Lesotho

MAFETENG

Mafeteng, the capital of Lesotho’s Mafeteng District, is a significant urban center located approximately 76 kilometers south of Maseru, the nation’s capital. As of the 2016 census, the town’s population was recorded at 43,247 residents. The district exhibits a balanced gender distribution, with females representing 51.1% and males 48.9% of the population. The average household size is approximately 3.73 individuals. The population for 2024 was estimated to be 57,059.

Source: bos.gov.ls

HEALTHCARE STRUCTURE

Healthcare services in Mafeteng are primarily delivered through public facilities, complemented by private and non-governmental organizations. The Mafeteng Government Hospital serves the district and provides a range of medical services to the community. In 2021, efforts to enhance critical care capacity led to the establishment an eight-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the hospital, supported by the World Bank and the World Health Organization.

Source: who.int

DISEASE BURDEN

Mafeteng faces significant health challenges, particularly concerning communicable diseases:

• HIV/AIDS: The district has a high HIV prevalence rate, estimated at 24.0%.

Source: U.S. Department of State

This substantial prevalence underscores the ongoing need for robust prevention and treatment programs.

• Tuberculosis (TB): Lesotho, including the Mafeteng District, experiences one of the highest TB incidence rates globally, with approximately 665 cases per 100,000 people as of 2017. The co-infection rate of TB and HIV is notably high, complicating treatment efforts.

Source: Wikipedia

 HEALTHCARE INSIGHTS

• In late January 2025, reports emerged highlighting the dire water shortages at Mafeteng Hospital.
• In April 2024, the Ministry of Health released an Environmental and Social Management Plan for the installation of a new incinerator at Mafeteng Hospital.
• On April 7, 2024, Mafeteng hosted events to commemorate World Health Day.

 LIST OF HOSPITALS

 DIAGNOSTIC CENTRES

1. Caromed Clinic
2. Occupational Health Service Centre (OHSC) at Mafeteng Hospital
3. Golden Touch Surgery
4. Tabor Health Centre